Heidi is a past HS parent. She brings a unique view from working in the for profit world to a non-profit, from receiving HS services to giving HS services. Her story shows us that when our interest matches our aptitude a happy and satisfying career is born.
My name is Heidi Johnson and I am a Family Support Coach here at HSOLC. My main job functions are to support families through the implementation of programs like Mom-Net and Parent Cafe and support staff to deepen and strengthen the relationships they have with the families that they serve.
I am a single mother to a wonderful eight-year-old boy named Noah. We were lucky enough to have been served by HSOLC at the Village Full Day location. Being able to receive Head Start services was such a blessing to our family and both Noah and I remember his time in the program very fondly.
I grew up in Douglas County and moved to the larger Eugene/Springfield area in my early twenties to pursue better career opportunities. I spent a number of years working in retail and banking before I decided to go to college, first at Lane then later at UO. I first came to HSOLC as a substitute teacher while I was finishing my degree.
I have worked in many positions here. I have been a Substitute, a Teacher, a Head Teacher, and a Family Support Coordinator before finally settling into my current role as a Family Support Coach. What surprised me the most about working at HSOLC is the work atmosphere. I love coming to work everyday, doing something that makes a difference, and being seen as an entire person, not just a cog in the company machine. After years of working in industries where no one ever cared about me beyond the sales that I could bring to the company, working at an organization that puts service, both to families and employees, first is a refreshing change!
The thing that I think people need to know about Head Start is that we are different from other preschool programs. We care about children, families, and employees alike and understand that all of those people need to feel respected, listened to, and cared for in order for our youngest children to have the best start possible!